04/20/2026
Today we’re proud to celebrate an incredible milestone - 45 years with Phillips Contracting for Ulysses Washington, better known by his work family as “Goat.” He started with Phillips on April 20, 1981, picking up sticks and limbs. From the very beginning, he showed a willingness to work and a drive to learn. Over the years, he worked his way up through every piece of equipment.
Known by his crew as dedicated, loyal, and hardworking, Goat is someone you can always count on. His consistency, knowledge, and work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the company. With guidance early on from leaders like Mr. James Cole and Mr. Terry Holcomb, he built a career that reflects what hard work and commitment can achieve. He’s not just known for his work, but for the memories made along the way, like pranking coworkers during lunch breaks and keeping the jobsite full of camaraderie.
Outside of work, Ulysses enjoys fishing and hunting, and in his younger years, he spent time riding horses and roping calves, always with a little friendly competition and betting involved. Today, his greatest motivation comes from his wife Earleane, his three children, and his nine grandchildren. When asked what advice he would give to someone coming up in the field, he keeps it simple: “If you want to learn and work, you have to be willing to show up every day. If you put in the work, you can make a great career in this field.”
Congratulations on 45 years!! 👏
